Day: September 15, 2022

Depression and Anxiety in Hong KongDepression and Anxiety in Hong Kong

1 out of 7 people in Hong Kong is estimated to suffer from a mental illness at least once in their lifetime based on a recent study. This is higher than the 1 out of 8 statistics reflecting a worldwide estimate.

A lot of factors contribute to this threatening curve in numbers. A mix of anxiety and depressive disorders has been frequently diagnosed in recent years. These two conditions dominated the top spots for most common mental health illnesses for the people of Hong Kong. 

What is Depression?

Depression is a common condition that can easily go unrecognized. While depression is closely associated with sadness by most people, the gravity of the effects of depression far outweighs that of sadness. Depression symptoms vary from mild to severe, with both mental and physical indicators. The main 

What is Anxiety disorder?

Anxiety is anticipation or worries about a concern that is yet to happen, it is a normal reaction to stress and dangers that help us cope with the situation at hand. Having anxiety attacks hinders one’s ability to make judgments logically. 

Relationship between Depression and Anxiety

While anxiety is considered a high-energy state and depression is a low-energy, you might find it surprising that these mental conditions are closely related. When a person already has anxiety, it’s more likely for them to develop depression as well. Why? Because when one becomes overly concerned over a future event that doesn’t happen yet, it’s easier to develop depressing emotions leading to depression.

Trend and Future Projections

Studies show an increase in mental health concerns during the covid pandemic situation. People being deprived of their freedom to go out and see the effects of the pandemic in the lives of the victims and their families, along with the financial and economical setbacks that result from such situations became hard to bear.  

By the year 2030, depression is estimated to be the sole leading mental illness in Hong Kong. This projection is alarming. 

Government Efforts for a Solution

The government of Hong Kong adopted an integrated approach to prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation of mental illness patients as a response to the population’s mental health concerns. The Food and Health Bureau and Social Welfare Department are co-ordinating works with other sectors’ services for people’s mental health needs. The overall effort of the government on promoting mental health started years back and is continuing with special considerations due to post-covid repercussions.

Help from Private Institutions 

Hong Kong counselling service centres like Everyday Empathy have seen an increase in the need for professional interventions. There has been an increase in the number of private institutions that provide mental health assistance which aids in supplementing the government efforts in this area.

What You Can Do as an Individual

For years, Asian people have had negative connotations of mental illness. Since individuals are openly expressing cynical opinions on the topic, those who are suffering from these conditions become reluctant to reach out for help. 

When you notice someone showing signs of poor mental or simply going through a rough patch, offer to chat. Starting a conversation is an easy way to help them open up. 

Finally, the patient’s willingness is the most important. Acknowledgment is crucial for their condition’s early diagnosis and treatment. If you suffer from any symptoms of depression or anxiety disorder, talk to a friend or a loved one. They are your most trusted support system for your mental well-being.

For more information, visit:individual counselling service Hong Kong

Why it’s Important to Keep your Roof CleanWhy it’s Important to Keep your Roof Clean

When the home siding on the outside of your home is dirty, or the paint is peeling off, it makes your entire residence appearance dingy.

As house owners, we understand we’re anticipated to keep our houses looking good– no one wants to come home to a mess, and also no person wishes to own your house that the next-door neighbors grumble about whenever they drive past. That includes your roof covering.

Not just can an unclean roof destroy your residence’s aesthetic charm, but it can really damage your roof. That’s why it is necessary to keep your roof covering clean. Getting Inspection from 518 Roof Washing professionals for your roof at least once a year ensures that the shingles, flashing, and other features are in good shape.

Greater than Dirt

Your roof is revealed to the aspects throughout the day, daily. Dirt and debris will certainly accumulate on it. All-natural rainfall is generally adequate to wash off the appearance of most dust. Nonetheless, the dark spots and eco-friendly locations that show up on your roofing are brought on by various other natural environments:

  • Algae
  • Fungus/Lichen
  • Moss

These compounds are much trickier than basic dust and also call for some description.

 Algae

 Black spots are called gloeocapsa lava or GM. GM algae is a microorganism that feeds off of both asphalt and sedimentary rock roofing in damp, cool as well as shaded areas of the roofing system. When there is marginal light, GM forms a blue shade.

 The even more shaded areas of the roofing system are more likely to have these algae, which can nurture various kinds of molds. This clarifies why some roofing systems are tarnished only on one side.

A report by the Asphalt Roofing Production Organization (ARMA) notes that these algae spores are carried by wind or pets. They can quickly spread out from rooftop to roof in neighborhoods of single family members houses, townhouses as well as apartment building.

Lichens

Lichens are generally the mix of algae and fungi. ARMA defines lichens as fungi that expand symbiotically with algae.

These plant-like organisms develop a branching growth of “root-like arms that pass through deep into the roof shingles’s natural, oil base for sustenance.” Lichens are tough to eliminate from the roof covering and can re-emerge from humidity and also rain.

Moss

Unlike the algae as well as lichens, moss is an actual plant. Moss has a shallow origin system and also calls for a lot of wetness to endure. Locations with much less sunshine stay damp much longer.

Overhanging tree branches not only provide even more shade, but they also drop debris that works as a food resource for moss. Like algae, moss spores are usually transferred by wind or animals and can easily spread throughout areas.

Exactly How Can Spots Damage a Roofing?

The discolorations and also development patches triggered by algae, fungus and also moss can damage your roofing with shingle wear and tear and also wood rot. Both bring about pricey repair services as well as can shorten the life of your roofing system. A roofing cleansing can assist decrease or eliminate this damage.

Shingle Damage

As stated above, GM algae is a microorganism that feeds off of both asphalt and sedimentary rock. That suggests that these organisms are actually gnawing at your roof shingles.

Moreover, according to ARMA, roof coverings with algae spots take in warmth. This causes an incredibly high warm in the attic room, which can reduce the life expectancy of the roof shingles by basically cooking them from the inside out.

Lichen swarms can be fairly damaging to roof shingles.The permeating arms produce pock marks where they grow and also at some point ruin the roof shingles.

Moss is much more damaging to roof covering shingles. Moss can create the sides of the roof shingles to lift or curl– commonly the initial indicator that a roofing replacement is required. As well as because moss holds in moisture, it can ice up in the winter months, creating a lot more tile damages.

Wood Rot

Moss has the capacity to hold in dampness as well as draw away water, that makes your roof deck prone to timber rot and also leakages. Moss often tends to expand in the ports between roof shingles, which is the last place water vaporizes from a roofing.

Moss growth on your roof is simple to area. However the indications of timber rot are not constantly obvious to the ordinary homeowner. “You don’t know how much damage is done to your residence,” says Yanni Avramidis, vice president of production for Lengthy Roofing.

“You may have a leak and you do not even know it. This will certainly create even more timber damage.”

Wood rot not just shortens the life of your roofing system, it can create mold and mildew growth, which can be unsafe to property owners and also their animals.

Do you have visitors in your attic or on your roof? Unwanted pests can trigger more damages when the timber starts to rot.

Pets, such as squirrels, have been recognized to trigger roofing system and also attic room damage by chewing through areas of the roofing and supporting timber systems. Decayed timber makes it easier for these animals to birthed with.

Expert Cleansing

Roofing system cleaning not just keeps a stunning appearance, it shields your financial investment by expanding the life of the roofing. While it is appealing to make roof covering cleansing a do it yourself project, it is advised to employ a professional roof cleaning up firm.

Standard, high-pressure washing machines can damage your roof when you’re attempting to cleanse it. It is essential to utilize special tools that does not hurt the roof shingles and also cause them to be torn from the high pressure.

Reliable roof cleaning companies will also make use of a biodegradable cleaning remedy. A DIY roof cleaning project usually utilizes a service of water and also bleach. While that can help free the roofing system of algae, it is unsafe to plants as well as the environment.

Avoiding Future Development

As soon as the discolorations are gotten rid of, you can take steps to avoid regrowth earlier. ARMA keeps in mind the naturally degradable chemical cleanser can fend off growths indefinitely if reapplied every 18 to 36 months.

ARMA also advises steps that can be required to prevent moss and algae growth consisting of:

  • Trimming tree branches
  • Clearing up off existing particles that has built up on the roofing
  • Guaranteeing your roof covering had proper air movement to prevent driving particles under roof shingles edges
  • Cleansing your gutters consistently

When Cleaning Is Insufficient

In many cases, the algae, fungi or moss development is so serious that it has actually currently caused substantial damages to your roof covering. At this moment, roof cleaning is not enough.

Angi advises that, “If you are missing tiles, your tiles are more than 25 years of ages, there are no granules left on your tiles, tabs are turning up or if the shingles are brittle, after that yes, you likely require a roof covering substitute.”

Has Algae, Moss or Fungi Damaged Your Roofing?

If you believe your roof might require to be replaced because of damages brought on by algae, moss or fungus, Call RoofRenew at 518-348-9000 or visit us online.

A licensed professional will certainly involve your residence for a complimentary, no commitment assessment to replace your old roofing with a stunning brand-new roof covering with a 50-year guarantee.